asked the Minister for Labour if he will give details of the standard of safety regulations he has laid down for work in offshore exploration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gas and Oil Exploration Safety Regulations.
20.
I have issued safety instructions to the exploration company presently operating in Irish waters. The safety instructions are given in accordance with the licence held by the company, issued by the Minister for Industry and Commerce. The safety instructions require the licence holder to comply with the current codes of safe practice in regard to drilling, production and pipeline operations in marine areas, and electrical safety. They also require the licence holder to report accidents to me, including accidents not involving injuries to persons, and to allow industrial inspectors of my Department access to installations and to take copies from any log book or document.
Legislation is being prepared which will enable me to make statutory regulations for the safety, health and welfare of all persons engaged in offshore activities. The Factories Act, 1955, or the Mines and Quarries Act, 1965, do not apply to such activities.
How far outside our shores does this jurisdiction extend? If they are working off our shores; if there are any rigs or landing points, is there any limit to the extent of where these rigs go and where these safety regulations apply?
They will apply to all such installations, where operating, on the Continental Shelf. That would be the extent of their application.
When the Minister says the Continental Shelf, what Continental Shelf? Is it the area under our jurisdiction?
Under our jurisdiction.
There will be no difficulties in that respect?
No.